Please Attach This Cover Sheet to Your Award Applications

Reminder – Application Deadline

Friday, February 27, 2009 at 5 p.m.

Office of Student Activities, PSU 101

STAR Awards Application Cover Sheet

Please attach this cover sheet to your award applications

along with four (4) copies of each award nomination.

Nominating Organization/Individual: ______

Contact Person: ______

Contact Phone: ______Email: ______

We are/I am submitting nominations for the following awards:

(please check each corresponding category below)

Reminder – Application Deadline

Friday, February 27, 2009 at 5 p.m.

Office of Student Activities, PSU 101

Student Organization Division

_____ Commitment to Sustainability Award

_____Campus Volunteer Center Service Award _____ Mark of Distinction/Merit Awards

_____ Diversity Development Award

_____ Leadership Development Award

_____ Membership Development Award

_____ Academic/Educational Program

_____ Diversity/Multicultural Program

_____ Philanthropic Program

______Service/Volunteer Program

______Social/Entertainment Program

_____ Public Affairs Commitment Award

Individual Division

_____ Community Service Award

_____ First Generation Award

_____ Outstanding Freshman Award

_____ Outstanding Sophomore Award

_____ Outstanding Junior Award

_____ Outstanding Senior Award

_____ Outstanding Leader Award

_____ Outstanding Student Employee

_____ Outstanding Organization Advisor

Reminder – Application Deadline

Friday, February 27, 2009 at 5 p.m.

Office of Student Activities, PSU 101

There will be a PowerPoint slideshow during the awards banquet, so each organization should submit at least five photos on a CD to the Office of Student Activities to be included in this year’s presentation. Only photos of appropriate images will be considered and included.

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Activities at 417.836.4386, or email (Maggie Brandt) or (Sarah Gunion) or (Lindsay Farris).

All award applications and photos are due to the Office of Student Activities by

5 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2009

Nominees will be contacted in March 2009.

STAR Awards Descriptions

Student Organization Division

Commitment to Sustainability Award

The Commitment to Sustainability Award was created to recognize an organization’s outstanding efforts toward the 2008-2009 University wide theme of sustainability, through overall practice and programs. Sustainability is a broad topic which includes, but is not limited to, ecological or environmental, economic, and social equality/ justice. Examples include: volunteering at a local women’s shelter, starting a recycling program, educating members on overall sustainability, programs that focus on sustainability.

Campus Volunteer Center Service Award

The Campus Volunteer Center Service Award was created to recognize an organization’s outstanding effort and their participation in service throughout the year. Examples include participation in monthly Bear Blitz Projects sponsored by the Campus Volunteer Center, actively serving in community service, showing initiative when invited to participate in community events, actively seeking out service opportunities, and other noteworthy occurrences by this organization. This organization makes a difference in their community as well as Missouri State University.

Mark of Distinction / Distinguished Merit Awards

The Mark of Distinction is presented to a recognized club or organization who distinguishes itself as an example organization for others to follow. This award will be given to the student organization that is recognized as best exhibiting an overall commitment to serving the members within the organization, the Missouri State University and surrounding Springfield community. In the process of meeting such a commitment, the organization will have stated a clear goal and through their nomination letter will present evidence for meeting such a goal through cohesive action from within the group. Five Distinguished Merit Awards will be awarded to the top five organizations recognized for displaying active pursuit of becoming the model organization for others to follow. The Mark of Distinction Award replaces the award formerly known as the Outstanding Organization Award.

Diversity Development Award

Awarded to the organization that has worked to promoted diversity through programming and membership development, while working to diversify membership through active planning and goal setting.

Leadership Development Award

Awarded to the organization that best trains and prepares their members for leadership roles on the campus and in the community.

Membership Development Award

Awarded to the organization with the most outstanding membership development program. This includes all forms of recruitment of new members and retention of all current members.

Outstanding Academic/Educational Program of the Year

The program focused on a specific discipline or topic to further knowledge in that area; and encouraged dialogue and learning among attendees. Resources (people, time, funds, materials, etc.) were utilized effectively in the development and implementation of the program. The program was widely publicized. The primary producers of the program were students.

Outstanding Diversity/Multicultural Program of the Year

This award recognizes a student-driven diversity/multicultural program that has been held in the past academic year (2008-2009). The program was dedicated to building positive interaction amongst cultures; promoted awareness of cultures and global issues through student engagement; and provided opportunities for students to learn about the importance of diversity and multiculturalism. Resources (people, time, funds, materials, etc.) were utilized effectively in the development and implementation of the program. The program was widely publicized. The primary producers of the program were students.

Outstanding Philanthropic Program of the Year

The program should exemplify the dedication and financial contributions directed towards the welfare of those in need. The primary producers of the program were students. This program could be a series event, or occur one time. Nominations should be supported by the agency being benefited.

Outstanding Service/Volunteer Program of the Year

Resources (people, time, funds, materials, creativity, etc.) were utilized effectively in the development and implementation of the program. The program was widely publicized. The primary producers of the program were students. The program will have demonstrated the commitment of the organization to community service. Nominations should be support by the agency being benefited.

Outstanding Social/Entertainment Program of the Year

The program was geared towards student interests, and provided social opportunities for students to interact in a fun and safe environment. The program was widely publicized. This program could be a series event, or occur one time. The primary producers of the program were students.

Public Affairs Commitment Award

Awarded to the student organization that best exemplifies a commitment to the campus and surrounding community by providing exceptional contributions toward meeting the service and philanthropic needs of the community through community engagement and programming.

Individual Division

Community Service Award

The Community Service Award annually recognizes a student at Missouri State University who makes the greatest contribution to community efforts. The award is intended to recognize those individuals volunteering their time to serve significant interests.

First Generation Award

Awarded to a member of the 2008-2009 graduating class who is the first of his/her family to earn a bachelor's degree and has demonstrated a record of personal achievement, service, and scholastic attainment.

Outstanding Freshman Award

Awarded to a freshman who shows great promise as a leader and has been participating fully in campus life.

Outstanding Sophomore Award

Awarded to a sophomore who has positively influenced the organization and has been participating fully in campus life.

Outstanding Junior Award

Awarded to a junior member of an organization who has proven to be instrumental in leading the organization to its goals and participating fully in campus life.

Outstanding Senior Award

Awarded to a senior member of an organization who has shown consistency in leading the organization and participating in campus life.

Outstanding Leader Award

Awarded to an individual who has had the most positive impact in leading the organization toward its goals.

Outstanding Student Employee

Awarded to an individual student nominated by an office or department on campus who has contributed greatly to the mission of their office and of the university through reliability, quality of work, initiative, attitude and uniqueness of individual contribution on the job.

Outstanding Organization Advisor (Faculty/Staff)

Awarded to an organization advisor that creates a supportive environment for the leaders they work with over a long period of time. The recipient is an example of how an advisor is instrumental in helping members grow, learn, develop, and mature.

Sarah Bickel Leadership Scholarship*

Awarded to students who show an interest in leadership and involvement and have demonstrated the ability to influence others. Staff who wish to recognize and encourage leadership opportunities may nominate students for this award.

*Note different application deadline and drop off location. Visit Star Awards website or the Dean of Students office – PSU 405.*

Commitment to Sustainability Award

Student Organization:______

Current Number of Members: ______

Commitment to Sustainabilty Award

Points of Consideration

The points to consider for nomination are the following:

· What kinds of programs has the organization planned? How do these programs relate to the theme of sustainability?

· How has the organization educated its members on the topic of sustainability?

· What everyday practices have been implemented to promote the theme of sustainability?

· What can the organization do in the future to promote sustainability?

Nomination Should Include

Description of why you feel that the organization is worthy of this award in the form of a narrative nomination. Be sure to include a description of the most significant service related accomplishments this organization has made while attending Missouri State University. Portions of this essay may be read during the STAR Awards ceremony. Please limit submissions to two typed pages per award nomination. Attach cover page with submission.

Four (4) complete stapled copies of each award nomination are due by 5pm on Friday, February 27, 2009.

Complete the Following Information:

Nominating Faculty/Staff Name:______

Department:______

Telephone Number:______

Campus Volunteer Center Service Award

Student Organization:______

Current Number of Members: ______

Campus Volunteer Center Service Award

Selection Criteria

The criteria for nomination are the following:

· Registered with the Campus Volunteer Center

· Participates in Bear Blitz Projects regularly

· Actively seeks out volunteer opportunities

· Serves in special events (Relay for Life; Up ‘til Dawn; Special Olympics; Make a Difference Day)

· Goes beyond expectations when volunteering in community as noted by agency supervisor/worker

Organizations may nominate themselves for this award. In addition, students, faculty, and staff outside of the Campus Volunteer Center may make nominations.

Nomination Should Include

Four (4) complete stapled copies of each award nomination are due by 5pm on Friday, February 27, 2009.

Complete the Following Information:

Nominating Faculty/Staff Name:______

Department:______

Telephone Number:______

The Mark of Distinction/Distinguished Merit Awards

Student Organization:______

Current Number of Members: ______

DISTINGUISHED MERIT AWARDS

Distinguished Merit Awards will be given to the top ten organizations that have evidenced an on-going commitment to excellence in all programming and development areas.

MARK OF DISTINCTION

Selection Criteria

The student organization nominated for this award should demonstrate the following criteria:

• Organization must have been registered with the Office of Student Activities for the

2008-2009 academic year

• The student organization displays a vision and takes initiative to begin tasks related to

positive change on campus

• Is successful in collaboration with organizations on-campus and the Springfield

community

• Effectively plans and implements ongoing programs and student involvement

• Demonstrates organizational participation and teamwork

• Encourages leadership development in all members

• Accomplished stated goals and outcomes that support your organization’s mission

• Facilitates development of leadership skills for all members

Points of Consideration

· What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment this year? Please describe in relationship to your goals or objectives.

· How has your organization contributed to the Missouri State community?

· Discuss how your organization promotes personal growth and development as well as leadership skills for its members.

· Why should this organization be the 2008-2009 Outstanding Student Organization?

· Please include a list of the organization’s activities/participation during the past year.

Please provide a narrative as to the reasons you feel this organization should be named a

Merit organization and considered for the Mark of Distinction. Please limit submissions to